The best months are June through September, when the mines and railroad run full schedules and the high-altitude weather is mostly sunny. Afternoon thunderstorms roll in reliably from late July through August — plan outdoor activities for the morning. The town sits at 9,494 feet, so acclimatise before doing anything strenuous.
October brings autumn colour to the surrounding aspen groves and the crowds thin considerably. Winter is cold and can see significant snow — the road up from Colorado Springs can be treacherous — but the casinos stay open year-round and the town takes on a quieter character. The Cripple Creek Ice Festival in January draws ice sculptors from around the region. Many of the mine tours and the railroad do not run between November and April, so check seasonal schedules before visiting in shoulder season.